Battery powered indoor/outdoor decorative table and floor lamp and LED based light bulb

Abstract

Provided is a lamp configured for both indoor use and outdoor use. The lamp may include several features to protect against conditions encountered during outdoor use, such as wind, precipitation, lack of external power, etc. The lamp also defines an aesthetically pleasing design to provide lighting during upscale outdoor events / celebrations, such as weddings, reunions, holiday events, or a private gathering in a backyard. The functional and aesthetic features of the lamp, such as the lamp's capability of operating independent of a power cord while at the same time defining a stylish appearance, may additionally make the lamp desirable for use in indoor environments.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 246,296, filed Sep. 28, 2009, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 246,297, filed Sep. 28, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 246,304, filed Sep. 28, 2009.STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH / DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]The present invention relates generally to lamps and light bulbs for lamps. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an indoor / outdoor lamp, which may be battery powered. Additional aspects of the present invention relate to an LED-based light bulb.[0005]2. Description of the Related Art[0006]Lamps are widely used to provide light to dark areas. Lamps typically include a base for placing the lamp on a support surface, such as the floor or table. Most lamps further include a lamp body extending from the base, wherein the lamp body comprises a socket conf...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a decorative table / floor lamp configured for both indoor use and outdoor use. The lamp may include several features to protect against conditions encountered during outdoor use, such as wind, precipitation, lack of external power, etc. The lamp also defines an aesthetically pleasing design to provide lighting during upscale outdoor events / celebrations, such as weddings, reunions, holiday events, a private gathering in a backyard, or in wet areas, such as by a pool, ocean or lake. In this regard, the decorative table / floor lamp is a decorative alternative to conventional propane powered lanterns, or candles, which were commonly used to provide lighting outside.

[0013]According to one embodiment, the lamp includes a lamp body and a lamp base coupled to the lamp body. The lamp base includes a base housing defining an inner cavity. A battery is disposed within the inner cavity to power the lamp so the lamp is not dependent upon power from external resources. The lamp base is sized and configured to mitigate pivotal movement of the lamp relative to the supper surface (i.e., tipping) in wind up to 30 MPH.

Problems solved by technology

Lamp usage is typically limited to indoor usage for a variety of reasons.

One reason is that lamps generally are not configured to withstand the elements which may be encountered during outdoor use.

For instance, precipitation may damage the body / base of the lamp, as well as the lamp shade.

Precipitation may also create wetness, which may cause an electrical shortage in the wiring of the lamp.

Wind may also present a problem for outdoor lamp usage, as a gust of wind may cause the lamp to fall over, resulting in possible damage to the lamp.

Another reason that lamps are typically limited to indoor use is that operation of the lamp is generally dependent upon power from an external power source.

For instance, most indoor lamps operate on 120 VAC, which poses a life threatening shock hazard, especially in wet outdoor locations.

Furthermore, the power chord may be a tripping hazard.

Accordingly, usage of a lamp in a remote outdoor location is typically unattainable because of the dependency of power from external power sources.

In addition to the above-described deficiencies associated with the lamps, conventional light bulbs used with the lamps also suffer from their own deficiencies.

Incandescent light bulbs provide a sufficient amount of light, yet they tend to be inefficient from an energy standpoint and may undesirably emit large amounts of heat.

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